Cape Cod League

No. 1 Deven Marrero, ss, Cotuit (Jr., Arizona State)

Marrero, who ranked seventh on this list a year ago, started his summer with Team USA (where he ranked as the No. 2 prospect behind Appel), then returned to Cotuit for 12 games, hitting .326 in 46 at-bats. His summer was cut short when he was hit by a pitch in the left hand and suffered a deep bruise.

Marrero is a “complete player,” as one scouting director called him, with at least average tools across the board and a grinder mentality. His simple swing, good hand-eye coordination, control of the strike zone and all-fields approach should make him a slightly above-average hitter, and he has a chance to grow into average power, though he’s more of a doubles hitter presently. Marrero’s slightly above-average speed plays up because of his excellent instincts on the basepaths. But he stands out most for his defense. He reads balls very well off the bat, and his smooth actions and plus arm will keep him at shortstop throughout his career, though his focus sometimes drifts, leading to errors.

“He’s the best defensive player I’ve ever seen at 19, 20 years of age,” Cotuit coach Mike Roberts said. “Walt Weiss was pretty darn good, but this young man—I’ve never seen anybody who could get his feet in the right position almost all the time. If for any reason he doesn’t get his feet in the right position, he has the ability to still get his hands in the right place, and understand the speed of the runner. I think he’s Omar Vizquel at 20.”